Selector Rod Marsh was reported to have been unhappy with Michael Vaughan and Duncan Fletcher for dropping Chris Read before the fourth Test, in Antigua, without consulting him. Vaughan also appeared to speak out of turn when he promised Geraint Jones a run in the side.

Graveney said: "'Any confusion was as a result of a communication breakdown which was my responsibility and fault." The new document reiterates that the selectors pick tour parties but captain and coach select the starting XI and it is up to the chairman to contact them both "to transmit information to the other selectors". He agreed Vaughan could have worded his statement differently and denied Marsh had nearly resigned.

England have also formalised what had been been taken as unofficial policy by stating that the limited-overs side will be picked "to build the best possible team for the next World Cup", with players overlooked who are unlikely to be available in four years. They will take a more pragmatic approach to Tests, however, "to achieve the best possible results on an ongoing basis".

John Carr, the England and Wales Cricket Board's director of cricket, said: "The fact we're prioritising the World Cup doesn't mean teams are going to give anything less than 100 per cent. Competitions like the NatWest Series and Champions Trophy are important building blocks."

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Carr said there would be greater convergence between the Test and one-day sides towards the end of the World Cup cycle. Some critics will argue that failing to pick a strongest XI devalues a match, but the influx of youth for last year's NatWest Series brought positive results.

The average age of National Academy squads will increase, becoming more akin to England A prior to the academy's formation. "Rather than projecting for six or seven years' time, we'll address specific, immediate needs of the England team," Graveney said.